Individually interactive multi-view display system and methods therefor

ABSTRACT

A multi-view display system that enables viewers to individually interact with the system to provide information thereto is disclosed. The system includes a multi-view display, a system controller, and an input/communications device. In the illustrative embodiment, the input/communications device provides a way for a viewer to communicate, to the system, a viewing preference pertaining to the presentation of content and facilitates associating the viewing preference with a viewing location so that the content that is ultimately displayed via the multi-view display is viewable by viewer at the proper viewing location.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This case claims priority of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/109,570filed Jan. 29, 2015 and is incorporated herein by reference. This caseis also related to the following U.S. patent applications, all of whichwere filed on even date herewith and all of which are incorporated byreference. To the extent there are any inconsistencies between thelanguage used in this disclosure and the language used in Ser. No.62/109,570 or the cases listed below, the language used in thisdisclosure controls:

-   -   “Method for Calibrating a Multi-view Display” Ser. No.        15/002,014;    -   “Differentiated Content Delivery System and Method Therefor”        Ser. No. 15/002,158); and    -   “Individually Interactive Multi-View Display System For        Non-Stationary Viewing Locations and Methods Therefor” Ser. No.        15/002,175.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure pertains to multi-view displays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A multi-view display (MVD) can simultaneously present a different imageto each one of plural viewers that are at different viewing locationswith respect to the MVD. For example, Sharp Corporation and MicrosoftCorporation have developed displays that are capable of showing a smallnumber of independent views based on the viewer's angle with respect tothe display. Viewers can interact with these displays using standardcontrol devices. For example, there might be separate game controllersfor a left view and a right view.

Advances in technology are expected to result in next-generation MVDsthat would enable hundreds to thousands of people to simultaneously viewa single display yet each see something different. These devices willoperate by controlling the images presented at different viewinglocations, each of which locations having a unique viewing angle withrespect to each pixel in the MVD.

The ability to present, on a single viewing screen, different images todifferent viewers based on their viewing location presents interestingpossibilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-view display (MVD) possesses the ability to present, on a singleviewing screen, different images to different viewers based on adifference in each viewer's viewing location. The inventors recognizedthat this unique ability of an MVD could be leveraged to great benefitif each viewer could individually interact they system. Based on thatrecognition, the inventors sought to develop systems and methods bywhich individual interactions can be associated with each viewpoint(i.e., viewing location or viewer) to thereby enable simultaneous, mass,personalized interaction with an MVD.

The present invention provides a way for viewers to individuallyinteract with an MVD system, such as, for example, to communicateviewing preferences.

Methods in accordance with the present teachings uniquely associate aviewer of an MVD with a particular viewing location. Based on theassociation, a viewer is able to: (1) provide input to the MVD systemand (2) view updated content that represents the system's response tothe viewer's input, as displayed via the MVD, at the particular viewinglocation.

The present invention can be used in a variety of contexts, such ascaptioning, gaming, and advertising, to name but a few. In theillustrative embodiment, an individually interactive MVD system is usedfor captioning.

Captioning typically involves the presentation of text and/or graphicsthat correspond, in some manner, to the audio component of apresentation, such as a film, speech, or play, or provides othercommentary, information, instruction, or explanation, or substitutes foraudio as in a silent film. For the captioning embodiments, the viewer'sinput is a “viewing preference” pertaining to the content that they wishto view or to one or more attributes of such content. The updatedcontent is the image that is displayed to the viewer in response to theselection.

For example, in the context of viewing a movie, a viewing preferencemight be “Director's commentary,” the content being the commentary ofthe director. Or the viewing preference might be “Italian-languagesubtitles,” with the content being the Italian-language text that isdisplayed in response to the preference. Or the viewing preference mightbe “display text in blue color.” It is notable that the first twoselections are selections of “content;” that is, the commentary of theDirector (as opposed to that of one of the actors) and Italian languagesubtitles (as opposed to subtitles in some other language). The thirdselection, however, is more appropriately characterized as an example ofpreference pertaining to an attribute of content. That is, the textbeing displayed is the content, the attribute is the color of the text.The updated content is thus the blue text appearing on the MVD.

The illustrative embodiment, as presented herein, pertains to the use ofan MVD system for captioning and methods for same. In the context ofcaptioning, the association of a viewer with a unique viewing locationenables the viewer to: (1) convey a viewing preference pertaining tocontent, or attributes thereof, that they wish to view and (2) view, atthe associated viewing location, the content related to their viewingpreference.

In embodiments of the invention, an affirmative action on the part ofthe viewer conveys information to the MVD system. In the illustrativeembodiment, that information is interpreted, by appropriatesoftware/hardware of the MVD system, as a viewer's viewing preference,as it applies to the presentation of content by the MVD. Suchaffirmative action—explicit direction on the part of the viewer—is to becontrasted with an approach, such as disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/002,158 entitled “Differentiated ContentDelivery via a Multi-View Display System,” wherein a viewer's “interest”in, or suitability for, any particular content is, in some embodiments,“inferred” from other information available to the MVD system.

In some embodiments, the viewer's affirmative action is to provideinput—a viewing preference—via a user interface, such as can begenerated by software running on a communications device (e.g., theviewer's smart phone, a device provided by the theater operator, etc.).In such embodiments, typical affirmative actions include, for exampleand without limitation, manipulating a joy-stick, keying (e.g., typing,etc.) or otherwise touching a touch-sensitive display, or issuing verbalcommands. In some other embodiments, the affirmative action can be agesture that is captured, for example, via a sensing system that is partof the MVD system. Such gestures are then interpreted by the MVD systemas commands pertaining to viewing preferences. By way of illustration,but not limitation, the gestures can include left/right or othermovements of the arm(s) or hand(s), and also include holding anoptically sensed object (e.g., a card, a paddle, a wand, etc.).

In some embodiments, the optically sensed object has distinguishingfeatures/characteristics (e.g., color, patterns, etc.) that can be usedto convey information (e.g., viewing preference, etc.). In some furtherembodiments, the distinguishing characteristic can have a temporalcomponent. For example, in some embodiments, the optically sensed objectis an illuminated wand, which is manipulated by the viewer. Theillumination is pulsed (i.e., the wand “flashes”) to convey information,such as a viewing preference, to the MVD system. In addition, forexample, to conveying information based on the pattern of the pulses,the rate of pulsation can be varied to the same effect.

In the illustrative embodiment, a system for practicing the inventionincludes a multi-view display, a system controller, and one or more“input/locating” device(s). The latter device(s) is something that, atleast in part: (1) enables/facilitates communication between viewers andthe MVD system (to enable viewer input of, for example, viewingpreference) and (2) provides “location information” to the systemcontroller and/or other elements of the MVD system. Location informationmeans information pertaining to a viewing location; more specifically,to the particular viewing location, of the many available, at which aparticular item of output (i.e., the updated content responsive to theviewing preference) is to be viewable. The system controller associatesthe viewing location with the input/locating device(s) or viewer so thatwhen the MVD system receives, for example, a viewing preferencetherefrom, it is able to display the updated content to the correctviewing location. The correct viewing location being the one that isassociated with the input/locating device(s) or viewer that transmitsthe viewing preference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a theater including a conventional movie screen and amulti-view display system in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 2 depicts a method for operating the multi-view display.

FIG. 3 depicts further details of the multi-view display system of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a controller.

FIG. 5 depicts a first group of sub-tasks for use in conjunction withthe method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 depicts a second group of sub-tasks for use in conjunction withthe method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 depicts a third group of sub-tasks for use in conjunction withthe method of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8A depicts information being displayed on a multi-view display foruse in creating an association between a viewing position and acommunications device.

FIG. 8B depicts a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms appearing below and inflected forms thereof are defined foruse in this disclosure and the appended claims as follows:

-   -   “associating,” when used in the context of a relationship        between input/a viewing preference/a communications device/or a        viewer and a particular viewing location, means that the input,        etc., or communications from the communication device or viewer        are intended to pertain to the particular viewing location. As a        consequence, if the response of the MVD system is to display        updated content for viewing, it is displayed for viewing at the        viewing location that is associated with the input/viewing        preference/communications device/viewer.    -   “content” means whatever is displayed by the MVD. In the context        of a captioning embodiment, it is an updated image responsive to        a viewing preference.    -   “viewing preference” means, in the context of a captioning        embodiment, a viewer's preference as to the content that they        wish to view or one or more attributes of such content.    -   “datum” means an item of information.    -   “location information” means information pertaining to a viewing        location; more specifically, to the particular viewing location,        of the many available, at which a particular item of output        (i.e., the content responsive to viewer input) is to be        viewable.    -   “multi-view display” or “MVD” means a display that is capable of        simultaneously presenting a different image to each one of        plural viewers that are at different viewing angles (locations)        with respect to the MVD. The different images seen by each of        such different viewers is displayed in the same location of the        display.        Additional definitions may appear throughout the disclosure in        context.

As previously indicated, the illustrative embodiment pertains to usingthe individually interactive MVD system in the context of captioning,such as in a movie theater. In other embodiments, the system and methodsdisclosed herein can be used for captioning in other environments, suchas live performance theaters, stadiums, houses of worship, lecturehalls, theme parks, schools, museums, etc. Those skilled in the art willknow how to adapt the present teachings to captioning in such otherenvironments.

In still further embodiments, the system and methods can be used inother applications other than captioning, such as gaming, advertising,directions, and information to name a few. For gaming embodiments, theviewer's input is typically a command to take some action in the game,such as directing an avatar's actions, etc. The updated content is theresponse of the game, such as a particular action of the avatar, achange of scenery, etc.

For advertising (retail or otherwise), the viewer's input is theirinterest in the goods or service being advertised. The viewer's interestcan be manifested by, for example, their movement towards a product orhandling the product. Such movement or handling is captured by anappropriate sensing system. The updated content, which is displayed viathe MVD, is typically information related to the product. Those skilledin the art will know how to adapt the present teachings pertaining tomovie-theater captioning, to applications such as gaming and retailadvertising, among any others.

For directions, the viewer's input is, for example, a particulardestination. In an environment such as large shopping mall or othercomplex of businesses, a plurality of MVDs can be positioned throughoutthe environment. The updated content, which is displayed via the MVD,might be a message to “turn right,” “proceed 100 yards,” etc. Suchcontent would be updated, as appropriate, as the viewer reached eachsuccessive MVD en route to the destination. For information, theviewer's input is, for example, the information of interest.

FIG. 1 depicts theater 100 having a plurality of seats located at aplurality of viewing locations VL-i, i=1,n. Within theater 100 areconventional movie screen 104 and multi-view display (MVD) system 101.The MVD system includes MVD 102 as well as other electronics (notdepicted in FIG. 1). MVD 102 is capable of displaying a different imageto each different viewing location VL-i in theater 100 in known fashion.

The principle of operation of an MVD is known to those skilled in theart and so will be discussed only briefly. The salient differencebetween a traditional display, such as LCD, LED, plasma, or projectiondisplay and a multi-view display is that the former displays the sameimage to all viewers while the latter is able to display differentimages to different viewers simultaneously.

Some versions of a multi-view display include one or more projectionelements that emit light of different color and brightness at differentangles. The projection element includes a light source, an imager, and alens. Examples of suitable imagers include, without limitation, digitalmicro-mirror devices, liquid crystals, light emitting diodes, and/orliquid crystal on silicon (LCOS). Each projection element can beconsidered to be a single pixel of the display, wherein a full graphicmulti-view display is formed from an array of such projection elements.In some embodiments, each projection element—each pixel—is controlled byits own processor. In some other embodiments, a processor controlsplural projection elements, but less than all of the elements of thedisplay. In some embodiments, all of such processors in the display areconnected via a network (e.g., Ethernet, Infiniband, I²C, SPI, Wi-Fi,etc.), or, more generally, a communication channel (e.g., HDMI, etc.).

The light source illuminates the imager and the imager filters ordirects the light through the lens. The lens is capable of directinglight that is received from different locations of the imager indifferent directions. For example, a projector with resolution of1920×1080 is capable of controllably directing light in over two milliondirections. The color and brightness emitted at each angle is different.Each element, from a viewer's perspective, appears to be a light sourceof the color and brightness of the light that is projected onto theviewer, even if the projection is too dim for any image to be visible onnearby surfaces. As a consequence, the appearance of each projectionelement from the perspective of a viewer is dependent upon the angle atwhich the viewer views the element.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the foregoingprovides a description of one of a variety of different implementationsof a multi-view display. Any implementation of an MVD known to thoseskilled may suitably be used. Furthermore, embodiments of an MVD asdisclosed in applicant's co-pending application entitled “CalibratedMulti-View Display,” may suitably be used in conjunction withembodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, MVD system101 is configured and operated to enable viewers to individuallyinteract therewith to specify the content, or attributes thereof, thatthey wish to see presented by MVD 102 for viewing at their viewinglocation VL-i. Updated content that is responsive to the viewingpreference is displayed for viewing at a particular viewing location. Insome embodiments, if the viewing preference cannot be satisfied withappropriate content, MVD system 101 selects a suitable substitute forthe content. The displayed content can only be viewed at the particularviewing location; that is, a viewer in an adjacent viewing location willnot be able to see it.

In the illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, MVD 102 appears aboveconventional movie screen 104. The placement of MVD 102 above screen 104is to reduce the likelihood that a first viewer that is seated directlyin front of a second viewer interferes with the image intended for asecond viewer (See, e.g., FIG. 8B.). Since, in the illustrativeembodiment, MVD 102 is intended to be used for captioning, it isrelatively small compared to screen 104.

In theaters, captioning can be used for a variety of purposes. For thehearing impaired, captioning provides a way of understanding the audiotrack that cannot be heard. In addition to reproducing dialogue as text,captioning often includes descriptions of non-speech elements (e.g., adoor opening, an explosion, etc.). Captions are commonly used forlanguage translation, such as for a movie having dialogue in a languagethat viewers are not likely to understand (i.e., an Italian-languagefilm shown in a U.S. movie theater, etc.). And, of course, captioning isused to present the dialogue for “silent” films. Although currently lesscommon, captioning can also be used to provide commentary, such as thedirector's comments, critics' comments, character comments, actors'comments, etc. And there are many applications for captioning inenvironments other than theaters wherein individuals in a crowd arerelatively stationary. For example, embodiments of the inventions can beused in conjunction with live performance theaters (e.g., opera, etc.),stadiums, houses of worship, lecture halls, theme parks, schools, andmuseums, among others.

FIG. 2 depicts a method by which viewers individually interact with MVDsystem 101 to view updated content. Task 201 of method 200 recitesreceiving viewer input, the viewer input being associated with one of aplurality of viewing locations, wherein the viewer input isindependently selectable at each viewing location. In the illustrativeembodiment, the viewer input is a viewing preference. In someembodiments, the input (e.g., viewing preference, etc.) is received,ultimately, at the system controller.

In the context of the illustrative embodiment, the viewer'sinput—viewing preference—is a particular viewer's preferences pertainingto captioning. For example, assume that a first viewer seated at a firstviewing location wishes to view Italian-language subtitles during amovie. As such, the first viewer's viewing preference is“Italian-language subtitles.” That viewing preference is “associated”with the first viewing location. That is, the system determines, by anyof a number of instrumentalities and techniques, that the viewingpreference that is received originates from or is otherwise intended topertain to the first viewing location such that the updated content tobe displayed is for viewing at the first viewing location. In somealternative embodiments, the viewing preference is “associated” with aviewer (rather than the first viewing location, per se), depending onthe implementation and operation of the MVD system.

Assume that a second viewer, seated at a second viewing location, wishesto view a director's commentary track about the movie. Consequently, thesecond viewer's viewing preference is “Director's commentary.” Thatviewing preference is “associated” with the second viewing location. Insome alternative embodiments, the second viewer's viewing preference is“associated” with the second viewer, depending on the implementation andoperation of the MVD system. In practice, an MVD in a theater systemwould be designed to resolve each individual seat, so that the contentviewable at the first viewing location is not viewable at the secondviewing location and vice versa. An MVD does, however, have a limitedangular resolution, so if two people are seated such that they areleaning against one another, the system might not have sufficientresolution to keep the views to two such viewers distinct.

In the illustrative embodiment, MVD system 101 is capable of receivingviewer input (e.g., a viewing preference, etc.) for each viewinglocation VL-i, i=1,n in the theater. The viewing preferences of someviewers are likely to be the same as that of some other viewers, butthere will also be viewing preferences that differ from one another. Inany case, in the illustrative embodiment, the viewing preferenceassociated with any particular viewing location is made without regard,and is not restricted by, viewing preferences associated with any otherviewing locations. In some other embodiments, viewing preferencespertain to a designated group of viewing locations (e.g., a grouping offour view locations, etc.).

Task 202 of method 200 recites displaying, via an MVD, content that isbased on the viewer input (viewing preference in the illustrativeembodiment), wherein the content associated with a particular viewerinput is viewable only at the viewing location associated with theparticular viewer input. Of course, multiple viewers might provide thesame viewer input to the system, such that associated content presentedto those viewers will ultimately be the same.

Continuing with the example in which the first viewer's input or viewingpreference is “Italian-language subtitles,” the “content” is theItalian-language text corresponding to the movie's dialogue. Inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment, such content is viewableonly at the first viewing location. The “content” that is associatedwith the second viewer's content selection (“Director's commentary”) isthe text of commentary provided by the Director pertaining to whatappears on the MVD at any given point in the movie. Once again, thecontent (i.e., the text of the commentary) is viewable only at thesecond viewing location.

The process by which subtitles and captions are created, etc., is wellknown to those skilled in the art (see, e.g.,“https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtitle_(captioning)”) and is notdescribed here so as to maintain the focus on elements that are germaneto an understanding of the present invention.

To perform method 200, MVD system 101 must provide a way:

(1) for a viewer to communicate their input (e.g., viewing preference,etc.) on an individual basis to the system; and

(2) to associate the viewer input (e.g., viewing preference, etc.) witha viewing location so that the content (responsive to the input) that isultimately displayed is viewable by viewer at the proper viewinglocation.

Referring now to FIG. 3, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, systemcontroller 306, and one or more “input/locating” device(s). For clarity,conventional movie screen 104 is not depicted in FIG. 3.

Controller 306, which is depicted in FIG. 4 includes processor 440,processor-accessible storage 442, and transceiver 444.

Processor 440 is a general-purpose processor that is capable of, amongother tasks, executing an operating system, executing device drivers,and executing specialized application software used in conjunction withthe embodiments of the invention. Processor 440 is also capable ofpopulating, updating, using, and managing data in processor-accessibledata storage 442. In some alternative embodiments of the presentinvention, processor 440 is a special-purpose processor. It will beclear to those skilled in the art how to make and use processor 440.

Processor-accessible data storage 442 is non-volatile, non-transitorymemory technology (e.g., RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard drive(s), flashdrive(s) or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) thatstore, among any other information, data, device drivers (e.g., forcontrolling MVD 102, etc.), and specialized application software, which,when executed, enable processor 440 and MVD 102 to perform the methodsdisclosed herein. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how tomake and use processor-accessible data storage 442.

Transceiver 444 enables one or two-way communications withinput/locating devices and/or other devices and systems via anyappropriate medium, including wireline and/or wireless, and via anyappropriate protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, optical,ultrasound, etc.). The term “transceiver” is meant to include anycommunications means and, as appropriate, various supporting equipment,such as communications ports, antennas, etc. It will be clear to thoseskilled in the art, after reading this specification, how to make anduse transceiver 444.

Although the illustrative embodiment depicts a single controller 306, insome embodiments, the functionality of controller 306 is distributedamong several devices that might or might not properly be characterizedas controllers. More particularly, the illustrative embodiments disclosethat controller 306 executes specialized application software todetermine viewing location and viewing preferences from viewer gestures.In some other embodiments, one or both of those functions are performedby other processors/computers. In such embodiments, controller 306simply receives a command to cause the MVD to display a specific imageto a specific viewing location. The operation of system controller 312is discussed in further detail U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/002,014 entitled “Method for Calibrating a Multi-view Display”.

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term“input/locating device(s)” means a device or devices that, at least inPart: (1) enables/facilitates communication between viewers and the MVDsystem and (2) provides “location information” to system controller 306and/or other elements of system 101. As used in this disclosure and theappended claims, the term “location information” means informationpertaining to the viewing location; more specifically, to the particularviewing location, of the many available, at which a particular item ofoutput (i.e., the content responsive to the viewer input) is to beviewable.

In various embodiments, input/locating devices include, withoutlimitation, the following:

-   -   sensing system 308;    -   sensing system 308 and optically sensed object 310;    -   immovably installed interactive display 312;    -   installed communications device 314;    -   non-installed communications device 316;    -   non-installed communications device 316 and non-active location        tag 318 or active location tag 320;    -   non-installed communications device 316 and shared        location-determining system 328;    -   viewer-provided communications device 322 with or without        control app 324;    -   viewer-provided communications device 322 with or without        control app 324 and non-active location tag 318 or active        location tag 320; and    -   shared location-determining system 328 and non-installed        communications device 316 or viewer-provided communications        device 322 with or without control app 324.

It is to be understood that not all of input/locating devices are usedin any one embodiment of an MVD system. The aforementioned devices andthe manner in which they are used to enable communications andobtain/transmit location information are described below.

Input/locating device(s): Sensing System 308.

In some embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, controller 306,and sensing system 308. In the illustrative embodiment, sensing system308 is a camera that is proximal to MVD 102 and facing viewing locationsVL-i. In some other embodiments, sensing system 308 comprises multiplecameras, or IR transmitter and receivers, or ultrasound transmitter andreceivers, or a plurality of microphones, radar, lidar, RFID (whereinthe viewer wears a wristband, etc., having an RFID tag), and the like.

Consider viewer V-1. Sensing system (e.g., camera, etc.) 308 can detectgestures made by viewer V-1 at her viewing location. Controller 306 candetermine, via images obtained from the camera or other sensing system,the location of viewer V-1. This determination can be made based on theresults of a previously performed calibration procedure. See applicant'sco-pending patent application entitled “Calibrated Multi-View Display,”previously referenced. Calibration enables controller 306 to identifyviewing locations VL-i in the image provided by sensing system 308.

The gestures captured by sensing system 308 can also serve as viewerinput; that is, provide a viewing preference. Since, as discussed above,system controller 306 can determine viewer location, the viewingpreference (as conveyed by gestures) can be associated with theappropriate viewing location VL-i. FIG. 5 depicts method 500 forimplementing task 201 of method 200 for embodiments in whichinput/locating device is camera 308.

Referring now to FIG. 5, and with continuing reference to FIG. 3,sub-task 501 recites displaying, via the MVD, introductory informationat at least some viewing locations. The introductory information can be,for example, a direction for the viewer to move a body part, such as oneor both hands, or one or both arms, up or down, left or right, incircular fashion, etc. In embodiments that include presence-detectioncapability, introductory information is displayed at a viewing locationonly when a viewer is detected at that viewing location. In the absenceof such capability, introductory information is displayed at all viewinglocations.

Per sub-task 502, the viewer's gesture is captured by sensing system308. The captured information is transmitted to controller 306, whichdetermines at which viewing location VL-i the viewer is locatedaccording to sub-task 503.

Per the introductory information, viewer gestures can also be used toindicate viewing preference. For example, raising an arm might indicatethat the viewer wishes to select language subtitling and lowering an armmight indicate that the viewer wishes to select commentary-relatedsubtitling. Once a first gesture is decoded, in some embodiments,controller 306 will cause further viewing preference options to bedisplayed on MVD 102 for viewing at the viewer's location. For example,if the viewer raised her arm to select language subtitling, the systemmight respond by displaying (at the viewer's viewing location only)directions as to how to gesture to select from French, German, orItalian subtitles. Thus, in sub-task 504, the viewer's input (viewingpreference in this embodiment) is determined from the captured gestures.Processor 440 in controller 306 executes specialized applicationsoftware to determine viewing location and viewing preference fromviewer gestures. Those skilled in the art will know how to code and usesuch specialized application software. In sub-task 505, controller 306associates the viewing preference with the identified viewing locationVL-i. This process is repeated for each viewer in theater 100.

Input/locating device(s): Sensing system 308 and Optically Sensed Object310.

In some further embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, controller306, sensing system 308, and optically sensed object 310. In suchembodiments, the sensing system includes optical sensing systems (e.g.,cameras, etc.). The optically sensed object can be moved by viewer V-2(see FIG. 3), in accordance with introductory information, to provideviewer input (e.g., specify viewing preference, etc.). It is used toease vision processing, relative to tracking a viewer's hands or arms.This is accomplished via the use of a feature that is readilydistinguishable from the background (other viewers, etc.). Examples ofsuch a feature include, without limitation, the shape of object 310, itscolor, a pattern or symbols appearing on object 310, etc. In somefurther embodiments, the distinguishing characteristic can have atemporal component. For example, in some embodiments, the opticallysensed object is an illuminated wand, which is manipulated by theviewer. The illumination is pulsed (i.e., the wand “flashes”), andpattern and/or the rate of pulsation conveying information(input/viewing preference) to the MVD system.

For embodiments that include optically sensed object 310, sub-tasks 501through 505 can be used to accomplish task 201 of method 200.

In some embodiments, optically sensed object 310 is a relatively large(e.g., 12 inches×12 inches, etc.) planar surface. In some embodiments,the shape or surface of the surface is characterized by one or more ofthe aforementioned features, which can be used to indicate viewingpreference as to content. In use, a viewer obtains, prior to reaching aviewing location, an appropriate optically sensed object 310 forconveying the viewer's viewing preference. Once at a viewing location,optical sensed object is raised such that camera 308 captures its image.Controller 306 determines location as previously discussed anddetermines viewing preference from the distinguishing feature(s) ofoptically sensed object 310, as captured by camera 308.

In some embodiments, MVD system 101 includes central server 330 inaddition to camera 308 and optically sensed object 310. Central server330 has access to a database which indicates viewing preferences ofviewers that have previously registered with the system. In such anembodiment, optically sensed object 310 can be include information thatidentifies a viewer, such as a bar code that encodes an identificationnumber, etc. Once at a viewing location, camera 308 captures theidentifying information on object 310 and controller 306 determineslocation as previously discussed. The viewer's identifying informationis transmitted to controller 306, which, in turn, transmits theidentifying information over network 332 to central server 330. Thecentral server accesses the viewer's records and transmits the viewer'sviewing preferences pertaining to content, via network 332, tocontroller 306.

Input/locating device(s): Immovably installed interactive display 312.

In some additional embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102,controller 306, and interactive display 312. A viewer, such as viewerV-3, proceeds to interactive display 312, which is permanently (i.e.,immovably) installed at a location separate from the viewing locations.Interactive display 312 presents an interface (not depicted) at whichthe viewer enters a pre-assigned viewing location. For example, viewerV-3 keys in a viewing location (seat number), or scans a ticket thatincludes the viewing location, etc. The viewer also enters a viewingpreference via the interface. Viewer V-3 would then proceed to thepre-assigned viewing location and, at the appropriate time, therequested content is viewable to the viewer V-3 at the viewing location.

Input/locating device(s): installed communications device 314.

In some embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, controller 306,and installed communications device 314. The installed communicationsdevice is permanently installed at at least some of viewing locationsVL-i. For example, in some embodiments, installed communications device314 is a touch-screen controller that is mounted in front of a viewer'sseat or on the seat's armrest, or buttons, etc., mounted in the seat'sarmrest, and the like.

The viewing location of each such installed communications device 314 isstored in controller 306. Alternatively, the viewing location can becommunicated to controller 306 periodically or in conjunction withviewer communications, such as when viewer V-4 enters a contentselection via an interface provided by installed communications device314.

FIG. 6 depicts method 600 for implementing task 201 of method 200 forembodiments in which input/locating device is installed communicationsdevice 314.

Sub-task 601 of method 600 recites uniquely associating, for eachviewing location in at least a subset of the plurality of viewinglocations, a communications device with a respective viewing location.As previously indicated, installed communications device 314 ispermanently installed at near at least some of the viewing locationsVL-i. Since it is permanently installed, communications device 314 canbe readily associated with a particular viewing location, such as viathe approaches indicated above or others as will occur to those skilledin the art.

Sub-task 602 recites receiving input (e.g., a viewing preference, etc.)from each of the communications devices, wherein each of the viewingpreferences can be chosen independently of one another. Using aninterface provided by installed communications device 314, a viewerinputs a viewing preference that is then transmitted to, for example,system controller 306.

Input/locating device(s): non-installed communications device 316.

In some embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, controller 306,and non-installed communications device 316. In some embodiments, thenon-installed communications device is distributed to viewers, such asviewer V-5. In some embodiments, device 316 is configured to work onlyat a designated viewing location (e.g., an electronic tag in a seat atthe designated viewing location that enables device 316). In otherembodiments, which is applicable to theaters in which seats arepre-assigned to viewers, non-installed communications device 316 isregistered to the viewing location that corresponds to the viewer'spre-assigned seat. Thus, when device 316 communicates with controller306, it transmits the viewing location along with, for example, theviewer's viewing preference.

Input/locating device(s): non-installed communications device 316 andpassive location tag 318 or active location tag 320.

In some alternative embodiments, input/locating device(s) includepassive tag 318 or active tag 320 as well as non-installedcommunications device 316. The passive tag, which is non-powered,provides a visual indication of seat number or the corresponding viewinglocation VL-i. Non-limiting examples of a passive tag include: a seatnumber visible on a portion of the seat located at a viewing location, abar code or QR code (e.g., on a piece of material that is attached tothe seat, etc.) and the like. The codes can be photographed bynon-installed communications device 316 (or scanned, if device 316 isappropriately configured). The seat number can be photographed ormanually input into device 316. Active tag 320 is a powered, short-rangedevice that is able to transmit a viewing location to non-installedcommunications device 316 when the device is near to the active tag. Anexample of an active tag is a near-field communications (NFC) tag.

Input/locating device(s): viewer-provided communications device 322 withor without control application 324 and passive location tag 318 oractive location tag 320.

In some embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, controller 306,viewer-provided communications device 322 with or without controlapplication 324 and passive location tag 318 or active location tag 320.

Viewer-provided communications device 322 can be any device(provided/owned by a viewer) that is a capable of communicating, eitherdirectly or indirectly, with controller 306 to transmit, at a minimum, aviewing preference. Data transmission modality/protocols can include,for example and without limitation, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, smart-keytechnology, optical, ultrasound, and cellular. In the illustrativeembodiment, communications device 322 is a smart phone; however, inalternative embodiments, communications device 322 is a tablet computer,a wearable computer, a game controller, computerized eyewear, or custombuilt devices.

In the illustrative embodiment, communications device 322 is capable ofdownloading, storing and executing application specific software; inparticular, control application (app) 324. The app, which is effectivelya part of MVD system 101 and is provided by themanufacturer/owner/operator of the MVD system 101, is downloaded from awebsite or obtained in any other convenient fashion. The app generatesan interface for data entry (e.g., seat number/viewing location andviewing preference for the illustrative embodiment) and facilitatescommunication with controller 306.

In some alternative embodiments, viewer accesses a website, viacommunications device 322, which provides an interface for data (i.e.,seat number/viewing location and viewing preference) entry. Inembodiments in which communications device 322 has cellularcommunications capability, the viewer can communicate viewing locationVL-i and viewing preference via a text to a pre-specified phone number.The texted information is then forwarded to MVD system 101 in knownfashion.

Thus, a viewer, such as viewer V-6, obtains seat number/viewing locationfrom passive tag 318 (via visual inspection/photography/scanning) oractive tag 320 (via interrogation). Viewing preference is input viacontrol app 324 or an interface accessed at a website. In the absence ofan app or website-accessed interface (e.g., the viewing location andviewing preference, etc., is to be texted to MVD system 101),instructions pertaining to viewing preference are presented to viewerV-6 via a pamphlet, displayed on MVD 102 or movie screen 104 (FIG. 1),or in any other fashion.

Method 600 for implementing task 201 of method 200 can be used forembodiments in which input/locating device is viewer-providedcommunications device 322 and passive location tag 318 or activelocation tag 320.

Input/locating device(s): shared location-determining system 328 andnon-installed communications device 316 or viewer-providedcommunications device 322.

In some embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, controller 306,shared location-determining system 328 and non-installed communicationsdevice 316 or viewer-provided communications device 322 (with or withoutcontrol app 324).

Shared location-determining system 328 provides a way to locatenon-installed communications device 316 or viewer-providedcommunications device 322. The shared location-determining system 328can be implemented via any one of variety of conventional technologies,such as localization techniques as applied to RF signals or acousticsignals, visual tracking, GPS, among others. Input (e.g., viewingpreference, etc.) can be performed via any of the approaches previouslydisclosed.

Method 600 for implementing task 201 of method 200 can be used forembodiments in which input/locating device is sharedlocation-determining system 328 and non-installed communications device316 or viewer-provided communications device 322 (with or withoutcontrol app 324).

Input/locating device(s): Non-installed communications device 316 orviewer-provided communications device 322.

In some embodiments, MVD system 101 includes MVD 102, controller 306,non-installed communications device 316 or viewer-providedcommunications device 322 (with or without control app 324).

In accordance with some embodiments, viewing location is determinedutilizing MVD 102. As previously indicated, MVD 102 is capable ofdisplaying a different image to each viewing location VL-i. Thiscapability can be utilized to uniquely associate a viewer, such asviewer V-7 (FIG. 3) and/or communications devices 316 or 322 to aparticular viewing location, as discussed further below.

The reader's attention is now directed to FIG. 7, which depicts method700 for implementing task 201 of method 200 when a multi-view display,such as MVD 102, is used to facilitate an association between a viewinglocation VL-i and a viewer/portable device (e.g., non-installedcommunications device 316, viewer-provided communications device 322,etc.).

Sub-task 701 of method 700 recites generating a datum for each of aplurality of viewing locations, wherein information contained in eachdatum is uniquely associated with a respective one of the viewinglocations and is viewable only at the one associated viewing location.

In this sub-task, element(s) of the MVD system, such as systemcontroller 306, generates information, such as a plurality of symbols(e.g., a string of alphanumeric or other characters, etc.), which ituniquely associates with a viewing location. For example, controller 306might generate characters 7023A!N52{circumflex over ( )} and designatethem as being indicative of viewing location VL-004 and generatedifferent characters and designate them as being indicative of viewinglocation VL-022. It is to be understood that the symbols need not bealphanumeric characters, nor does the information even need to besymbols; for example, a unique picture, or a bar code, or a QR codecould be generated for each viewing location. In the illustrativeembodiment, this process is repeated for all viewing locations andperformed once (e.g., prior to first use of the multi-view display 102,etc.). In some embodiments, the generated characters and associatedviewing location VL-i are stored in a look-up table.

In sub-task 702, the datums that are generated are displayed for viewingat at least some of the viewing locations, wherein the datum is viewableat the associated viewing location. Continuing with the example,controller 306 causes the datum 7023A!4N52{circumflex over ( )} to beviewable at viewing location VL-004 (but nowhere else). Other datumsassociated with other viewing locations VL-i are displayed for viewingat such locations. This is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, which show,via two different views, three different datums: datum 1, datum 2, anddatum 3, being displayed for viewing at respective viewing locationsVL-004, VL-022, and VL-027. Those datum have been associated with thoseparticular viewing locations by operation of controller 306 in sub-task701. It is notable that although the image of the plural datum aredepicted as appearing above one another on MVD 102, they could appear inthe same location on the MVD. The reason for this is that although theviewers that are located at those viewing locations are each viewing thesame pixels, they are viewing them at different viewing angles.Furthermore, although it is not clear in FIG. 8A, it can be seen in FIG.8B that the light being received by a viewer at viewing location VL-022or by a viewer at viewing location VL-027 is not obscured by viewersseated at viewing locations closer to MVD 102.

Sub-task 703 recites uniquely associating, at the system controller, forat least some of the viewing locations, a communications device with arespective viewing location. This can be done by: (1) capturing thedatum that is visible to a viewer on a communications device in theviewer's possession and (2) transmitting, from the communications deviceto the controller, the datum and a way to identify the communicationsdevice. The communications device can be, for example, non-installedcommunications device 316 or viewer-provided communication device 322.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the viewer at viewinglocation VL-004 sees Datum 1 on MVD 102. That datum is then captured inmemory of the communications device in that viewer's possession.Likewise the viewer at viewing location VL-022 sees Datum 2 and theviewer at viewing location VL-027 sees Datum 3. And those datums arecaptured in memory of the respective communications devices in thepossession of those viewers.

In some embodiments, if the communications device is viewer-providedcommunications device 322, control app 324 has been downloaded so thatthe datum can be entered. In some other embodiments, the viewer accessesa website that provides the interface for entry of the datum. In yetsome further embodiments, the datum is texted from viewer-providedcommunications device 322 to a pre-specified phone number.

The datum can be manually entered (keying, touching, or voice) or byphotographing it using the camera in a smart phone, etc. If the datum isin the form of a picture or a 1D or 2D barcode (the latter being a “QRcode”), datum capture will typically be via a camera. (Unless thepicture is readily reduced to text—such as if the pictures are, forexample, images of animals or common objects. This addresses anylikelihood of error issues when entering strings of alpha-numericcharacters.)

The communications device then transmits the datum to controller 306.This can be performed via short-range communications protocols (e.g.,Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), via a data network, text, or other modalitiesor protocols.

Sub-task 704 recites receiving, at the system controller, input (e.g., aviewing preference, etc.) from the communications devices, wherein eachviewing preference is independently selectable of others. This sub-taskcan be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, after the datumis transmitted to controller 306, the controller can display viewingpreference options at the appropriate viewing locations. Alternatively,the datum and content selection can be transmitted at the same time, asa function of the interface app. Other approaches for accomplishingsub-task 704, as will occur to those skilled in the art after readingthe present disclosure, may suitably be used.

In accordance with sub-task 705, content is displayed to appropriateviewing location based on the input (e.g., viewing preference, etc.) andthe aforementioned association between the communications device and theviewing location.

It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches just one example ofthe illustrative embodiment and that many variations of the inventioncan easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading thisdisclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for operating a multi-view display, whereinthe method comprises: receiving, at a system controller, input from eachof a plurality of viewers, each viewer's input being associated with oneviewing location of a plurality thereof, and wherein at least someviewers' input differ from other of the viewers' input; and displaying,via the multi-view display, content that is based on each viewer'sinput, wherein the content associated with any one viewer's input isviewable only at the viewing location associated with the one viewer'sinput.
 2. The method of claim 1 and further wherein the input isconveyed to the system controller via an optically sensed object.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein a characteristic of the optically sensedobject conveys the input.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein thecharacteristic is selected from the group consisting of color, shape,and pattern.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving, at a systemcontroller, input, further comprises: displaying, via the multi-viewdisplay, introductory information at at least some of the viewinglocations, wherein the introductory information is viewed by viewers;capturing, via a sensing system, gestures of the viewers, wherein thegestures are based on the introductory information; determining, fromthe captured gestures, the viewing locations from which the gesturesoriginated; and determining, from the captured gestures, the viewers'respective input.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the introductoryinformation directs the viewer to gesture.
 7. The method of claim 5wherein the gestures are made with a body part of the viewer.
 8. Themethod of claim 1 wherein receiving, at a system controller, input,further comprises: uniquely associating, for each viewing location in atleast a subset of the plurality of viewing locations, a communicationsdevice with a respective viewing location in said subset thereof; andreceiving, at the system controller, input from each of thecommunications devices, wherein the input from at least some of thecommunications devices is different from the input from some other ofthe communications devices.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein thecommunications device is permanently located at each viewing location.10. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving, at a system controller,input, further comprises: generating a datum for each of the pluralityof viewing locations, wherein each datum is uniquely associated with arespective one of the viewing locations and is viewable only at theassociated viewing location; displaying, on the multi-view display, thedatum for at least some of the viewing locations; uniquely associating,for at least some of the viewing locations at which the datum appears, acommunications device with a respective viewing location; and receivinginput from each of the communications devices, wherein the inputreceived from at least some of the communications devices is differentfrom the input received from some other of the communications devices.11. The method of claim 10 wherein the communications device is providedby the viewer.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the communicationsdevice is provided to the viewer by an operator of the multi-viewdisplay.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the input is a command thatdirects actions in a game, wherein game play is displayed by themulti-view display.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the input relatesto a viewer's interest in a product being advertised.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the input is a viewer's movements with respect to theproduct.
 16. A multi-view display system comprising: a multi-viewdisplay, wherein the multi-view display comprises one or more projectionelements that emit light of a different color and brightness atdifferent angles; a system controller that causes images to be displayedvia the multi-view display, wherein the images are displayedsimultaneously to a plurality of viewers located at a respectiveplurality of viewing locations, and further wherein at least some imagesdisplayed for viewing at some of the viewing locations are differentfrom images displayed for viewing at some other of the viewinglocations; and an input/locating device, wherein the input/locatingdevice comprises: a camera that is proximate to the multi-view displayand faces the plurality of viewing locations; and an optically sensedobject, wherein the optically sensed object comprises characteristicsthat provide an indication of at least one of a viewing preferencepertaining to presentation of content or an identity of a particularviewer.
 17. The multi-view display system of claim 16, wherein theinput/locating device is an interactive display at which a viewer caninput a viewing location and viewing preferences pertaining topresentation of content, wherein the interactive display is immovablyinstalled at a location other than any of the viewing locations.
 18. Themulti-view display system of claim 16 wherein the input/locating deviceis a communications device that is capable of transmitting at least oneof a viewing location and a viewing preference pertaining topresentation of content.
 19. The multi-view display system of claim 18wherein the input/locating device further comprises at least one ofeither a passive location tag or an active location tag.
 20. Themulti-view display system of claim 18 wherein the input/locating devicefurther comprises a shared location-determining system.
 21. Themulti-view display system of claim 18 further comprising a controlapplication that is stored in the communications device, wherein thecontrol application facilitates communications between thecommunications device and the system controller.
 22. A method foroperating a multi-view display, wherein the method comprises: generatinga datum for each of a plurality of viewing locations, wherein each datumfor each of the viewing locations is different from one another and istherefore uniquely associated with the viewing location for which thedatum is generated and is viewable only at the associated viewinglocation; displaying, on the multi-view display, the datum for at leastsome of the viewing locations; uniquely associating, for at least someof the viewing locations at which the datum appears, a communicationsdevice with a respective viewing location.
 23. The method of claim 22wherein each datum comprises a plurality of symbols.
 24. The method ofclaim 22 wherein each datum is individually selected from the groupconsisting of a plurality of symbols, a picture, a bar code, and a QRcode.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein uniquely associating acommunications device with a respective viewing location furthercomprises: capturing the datum that is visible to a viewer on acommunications device in the viewer's possession; and transmitting, fromthe communications device to a system controller, the datum and anindicia that identifies the communications device.